How to Check a Deck Builder's References

No one wants to be the guy who calls a stranger to ask about their deck. I get it. But last spring, my buddy Mike in Fishers skipped that step. He hired a deck builder with five-star online reviews and a clean truck. Six months later, his new two-level deck had a railing that wobbled when his kids leaned on it, a low spot that collected water after every rain, and a stair stringer already splitting. When Mike called the builder, the number was disconnected. He spent close to $4,000 fixing what should have been done right the first time. The ugly truth? Checking contractor references before you sign a contract could have saved him—and it can save you too.

Why references matter more for multi-level decks

Multi-level decks aren't just a big rectangle. They have stairs, transitions, footings that need to go below the frost line (about 36 inches in Central Indiana), and loads that shift as you walk from one level to the next. A builder who's only done flat decks might not get the engineering right. I've heard from a contractor in Carmel about a deck where the posts were set too shallow, and after two winters the whole corner dropped half an inch. That's why you need references from people who have a similar deck—same number of levels, same materials, same kind of yard. A deck builder who serves Indianapolis and the suburbs (Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, Westfield, Noblesville, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield) should have plenty of local projects to show. Ask them for that.

What to ask for upfront

When you're sitting down with a contractor, don't be shy. Ask for three to five references from the last 12-24 months. They should be for multi-level decks if that's what you're building, and they should be in the Indianapolis area. Ask for a mix of composite and wood, because each material has its own quirks. Ask to see a portfolio of decks they've built in your neighborhood or a similar one—Meridian-Kessler, Geist, Irvington, wherever you live. If a contractor tells you they can't share references because of privacy, that's a red flag. While you're at it, ask for an insurance certificate showing general liability and workers' comp. Confirm they're registered to do business in Indiana. Ask if they pulled permits for those past projects—in Marion County, you can often verify permits online. If they seem annoyed by these requests, walk away. A good contractor wants you to talk to their past clients.

Questions to ask references

I'm going to give you a list. Print it out, write it on your phone, whatever. When you call a reference, run through these. Don't rush. Ask for specifics—dates, weather delays, real examples.

About the schedule and budget

• Did the builder stick to the timeline? Indiana weather can throw curveballs, but good communication matters more than perfection.
• Were there change orders, and how did they handle them? Did the price go up from the original quote, and was it justified?
• Did they come back for any warranty fixes after the job was done? A workmanship warranty is only as good as the person who honors it.

About the work itself

• How are the stairs and railings holding up? Any wobble? This is where a solid railing contractor shows their value—railings take a beating from kids, dogs, and winter ice.
• Did the deck drain well after heavy rains? Any water pooling or splash back on the siding? If not, read up on deck drainage and downspout conflicts.
• If they used composite (like Trex or TimberTech), how does it look after a few seasons? Any fading or staining? Ask about hidden fasteners and board spacing.
• Did they install lighting? How's the electrical work holding up?
• Did they build any fences or patio enclosures on the same property? Many deck builders are also fence contractors and patio enclosure suppliers, so if you're planning to add a fence or screened porch later, ask how well those have held up.

About the crew and process

• Did they keep the site clean? Protect your lawn?
• Did they call Indiana 811 before digging? That's a legal requirement and shows they follow protocol.
• Did they handle HOA approvals if needed? Neighborhoods around Geist, Meridian-Kessler, and Irvington all have their own rules, and the approval process can eat up weeks.
• Did the crew show up when they said? Were they professional? Did they explain what they were doing each day?
• Ask how the deck handled last winter—especially the freeze-thaw cycles. Then check out annual deck maintenance costs in Indiana for what to expect.

And always end with: Would you hire them again? What would you change? If they hesitate on either, that tells you something.

Verify beyond the phone call

A phone call is good, but seeing the deck in person is better. Ask if you can drive by and look from the street—you don't need to knock. Look at the railings: are they solid? Do the stairs look even? Check the fascia and skirting. Also, if the contractor won't share permits or inspection results, that's a problem. You can call the building department in Marion County or the city where the project was done. Ask about footing depth and if the deck passed final inspection. And don't just rely on online reviews—they're fine for a first pass, but a five-star review can be fake or from a tiny project. A phone call with a real person who had a similar deck built last year is worth more. If you're talking to a contractor who's new to Indy and doesn't have local references, that's not automatically bad. But you need to see proof of their work from wherever they came from, and ask a lot more questions about their process.

Red flags to watch for

Some things should make you walk away. References from 10 years ago only, no recent work. Pressure to skip permits—some contractors say 'we can do it without a permit, it's fine.' It's not fine. No insurance certificate. Inconsistent addresses or project details. Reviews that don't match the company name you're contracting with. If they won't give you a written contract or a clear change order process, that's another red flag. I've seen too many homeowners get burned by smooth talkers who turn out to be a guy with a truck and a slick website.

How DeckPros makes this easy

At DeckPros, we know checking contractor references can feel awkward, but it's the best way to protect your investment. We keep a list of recent multi-level deck projects across Indianapolis and the suburbs—homeowners who have said they're happy to talk to potential clients. We'll give you their contact info, and we'll also share permit numbers and inspection outcomes for similar decks. We'll walk you through our process, from design to drainage to the last screw. No pressure, no pushy sales talk. If you're planning a deck (or a fence, railing, or patio enclosure—we do those too), start by giving us a call or filling out the quote form. We'll answer your questions and set up a time to look at your yard. You can request that reference list and book a site visit right here.